Transplant Services
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Financial Considerations
The Transplant social worker works with our patients to develop a financial plan for their transplant. This would include understanding how transplant-related charges will be paid as well as how to cope with such things as transportation, lodging, time off from work, and caring for children or other family members during this time.
Costs related to the transplant itself include evaluation and testing, transplant surgery and hospitalization, follow-up care and long-term medication. The social worker will address these financial obligations during the pre-transplant evaluation. A patient's insurance coverage plays a vital role, whether it is through a private company or a governmental program. So, it is important that each patient fully understand his or her coverage. If the patient's insurance should change in any way, please notify the transplant office immediately.
- Medicare
- Medigap (Medicare Supplements)
- Medicaid (Medical Assistance)
- COBRA - Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
- Private Health Insurance
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State Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Veterans Administration Benefits
- Indian Health Services Coverage
- Patient Assistance Programs
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Grants
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Fundraising
Here are some of the most important questions to ask your insurance company as you begin to consider transplant as a treatment option:
- Is transplant a covered benefit?
- Is there a maximum allowance on transplant and transplant-related services?
- Is there a lifetime maximum or "cap" on the policy?
- Is there adequate coverage for post-transplant medications?
- What is the annual "out of pocket" maximum amount on the policy?
- What is the living donor coverage in the policy?
In the event that the patient does not have access to adequate insurance coverage for transplant, there may be other avenues for obtaining support to offset the expenses related to transplantation. These include charitable organizations, advocacy groups or fund-raising campaigns. Again, the social worker can help identify what option is best for the patient.